India Untold

The Success Story of Just Dial’s CEO and Founder VSS Mani

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Determination and passion

VSS Mani lacked both financial resources and prior business expertise. However, his determination and passion were his greatest assets.
 

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The dreams

VSS Mani, hailing from Tamil Nadu, embarked on his journey to become a Chartered Accountant by enrolling in the Commerce programme at Delhi University. 
 

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Working as a salesman

Due to his family’s challenging financial situation, VSS Mani discontinued his studies and pursued a career as a salesman. 
 

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Gaining experience

VSS Mani aspired to establish his own business and gained experience by working in various positions. 
 

Image credits: Just Dial

AskMe company

In 1989, VSS Mani initiated the AskMe company in collaboration with his friends; however, the venture did not prove successful.
 

Image credits: Just Dial

‘Wedding Planner Magazine’

VSS Mani launched ‘Wedding Planner Magazine’ business in 1992, but unfortunately, this endeavour also faced failure. 
 

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Back to level 1

After experiencing two consecutive business failures, VSS Mani took up an office job again. 
 

Image credits: Just Dial

Idea for Just Dial

While working at a company that dealt with yellow pages and phone directories, VSS Mani got the idea for Just Dial. 
 

Image credits: Just Dial

Financial struggles

Facing the financial constraints, VSS Mani sold his wife’s jewellery to accumulate necessary funds. Then, he initiated the Just Dial venture from a rented garage. 
 

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Launching Just Dial

By 1996, it became easier to install landline telephones in houses. With the increasing demand of landlines, VSS Mani’s Just Dial business also grew.
 

Image credits: Just Dial

Company's success

The valuation of Just Dial in 2007 was Rs 4,000 crore and it grew to Rs 6,000 crore in 2013. 
 

Image credits: Just Dial

Reliance Retail's shares in Just Dial

Reliance Retail acquired 41 percent stake in Just Dial for Rs 3,497 crore.

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